Looking a F10 M5's. What do I need to know?
Discussion
After nearly 2 years running my 987.2 Boxster S, I'm starting to look at what comes next. I'm not a powerfully built company director, so typically decide what I want and then spend 6-12 months saving up for the next car. I could go down the finance route and upgrade tomorrow but I'd rather buy the car outright, leaving me enough money each month to go towards whatever 'M' bills I get.
After weighing everything up in what I want out of my next car, an F10 M5 seems to be perfect on paper and I have a few questions:
1) Looking at reviews when it first came out, reviewers have said that it had Hydraulic steering which is very appealing - did this remain until the end of production, or did they switch over to electric steering halfway into the production run?
2) The quoted MPG figure is 28(ish) mpg. I believe the Boxster is about the same. Over the last 10,000 miles, I've averaged about 23.5mpg in the Boxster with a mixture of motorway runs, traffic, hooning about etc... Would the M5 come close to this or is it going to be under 20 in the real world?
3) As much as I would love something well spec'd with everything ticked, I can't afford that! I was shocked how well priced these are now. I'd be looking to spend £30-40,000 - I imagine that I will be looking at an array of cars all with different options on them. Are there any options that are considered absolute essentials on these cars?
4) Running costs, MPG aside. How much does servicing and maintenance typically cost? The Boxster is dirt cheap considering the brand and I expect I'm going to spend a lot of money keeping an M5 is the best possible condition - similarly, how is reliability. Anything I need to look out for?
5) Is there anything I need to know or be aware of about them - essentially I am looking for a fast, practical, comfortable car that also handles really well and isn't absolutely excruciatingly awful on fuel - this seems like a perfect car. How have you found ownership?
Sorry for the dragged out post - I just want to be as thorough as possible. Knowing what car I'm going to have and getting excited about it is what gives me the motivation to save... On a separate note, anyone wanna buy a 987.2 Boxster S?
After weighing everything up in what I want out of my next car, an F10 M5 seems to be perfect on paper and I have a few questions:
1) Looking at reviews when it first came out, reviewers have said that it had Hydraulic steering which is very appealing - did this remain until the end of production, or did they switch over to electric steering halfway into the production run?
2) The quoted MPG figure is 28(ish) mpg. I believe the Boxster is about the same. Over the last 10,000 miles, I've averaged about 23.5mpg in the Boxster with a mixture of motorway runs, traffic, hooning about etc... Would the M5 come close to this or is it going to be under 20 in the real world?
3) As much as I would love something well spec'd with everything ticked, I can't afford that! I was shocked how well priced these are now. I'd be looking to spend £30-40,000 - I imagine that I will be looking at an array of cars all with different options on them. Are there any options that are considered absolute essentials on these cars?
4) Running costs, MPG aside. How much does servicing and maintenance typically cost? The Boxster is dirt cheap considering the brand and I expect I'm going to spend a lot of money keeping an M5 is the best possible condition - similarly, how is reliability. Anything I need to look out for?
5) Is there anything I need to know or be aware of about them - essentially I am looking for a fast, practical, comfortable car that also handles really well and isn't absolutely excruciatingly awful on fuel - this seems like a perfect car. How have you found ownership?
Sorry for the dragged out post - I just want to be as thorough as possible. Knowing what car I'm going to have and getting excited about it is what gives me the motivation to save... On a separate note, anyone wanna buy a 987.2 Boxster S?
TREMAiNE said:
After nearly 2 years running my 987.2 Boxster S, I'm starting to look at what comes next. I'm not a powerfully built company director, so typically decide what I want and then spend 6-12 months saving up for the next car. I could go down the finance route and upgrade tomorrow but I'd rather buy the car outright, leaving me enough money each month to go towards whatever 'M' bills I get.
After weighing everything up in what I want out of my next car, an F10 M5 seems to be perfect on paper and I have a few questions:
1) Looking at reviews when it first came out, reviewers have said that it had Hydraulic steering which is very appealing - did this remain until the end of production, or did they switch over to electric steering halfway into the production run? Always hydraulic
2) The quoted MPG figure is 28(ish) mpg. I believe the Boxster is about the same. Over the last 10,000 miles, I've averaged about 23.5mpg in the Boxster with a mixture of motorway runs, traffic, hooning about etc... Would the M5 come close to this or is it going to be under 20 in the real world? I was averaging 18mpg urban/going for a blast and 25mpg on a run my average over 30,000 miles was 23mpg but that was 80% motorway
3) As much as I would love something well spec'd with everything ticked, I can't afford that! I was shocked how well priced these are now. I'd be looking to spend £30-40,000 - I imagine that I will be looking at an array of cars all with different options on them. Are there any options that are considered absolute essentials on these cars? I loved the optional multi-function M seats myself but the car comes pretty loaded as standard
4) Running costs, MPG aside. How much does servicing and maintenance typically cost? The Boxster is dirt cheap considering the brand and I expect I'm going to spend a lot of money keeping an M5 is the best possible condition - similarly, how is reliability. Anything I need to look out for? £1000 for a set of tyres around £2500 for a full set of disks and pads at a dealer, servicing was £300-£900 depending on which one
5) Is there anything I need to know or be aware of about them - essentially I am looking for a fast, practical, comfortable car that also handles really well and isn't absolutely excruciatingly awful on fuel - this seems like a perfect car. How have you found ownership? I loved mine but it was thirsty, very thirsty away from the motorway but then again that's to be expected so you can't mark the car down for that
Sorry for the dragged out post - I just want to be as thorough as possible. Knowing what car I'm going to have and getting excited about it is what gives me the motivation to save... On a separate note, anyone wanna buy a 987.2 Boxster S?
My answers in bold.After weighing everything up in what I want out of my next car, an F10 M5 seems to be perfect on paper and I have a few questions:
1) Looking at reviews when it first came out, reviewers have said that it had Hydraulic steering which is very appealing - did this remain until the end of production, or did they switch over to electric steering halfway into the production run? Always hydraulic
2) The quoted MPG figure is 28(ish) mpg. I believe the Boxster is about the same. Over the last 10,000 miles, I've averaged about 23.5mpg in the Boxster with a mixture of motorway runs, traffic, hooning about etc... Would the M5 come close to this or is it going to be under 20 in the real world? I was averaging 18mpg urban/going for a blast and 25mpg on a run my average over 30,000 miles was 23mpg but that was 80% motorway
3) As much as I would love something well spec'd with everything ticked, I can't afford that! I was shocked how well priced these are now. I'd be looking to spend £30-40,000 - I imagine that I will be looking at an array of cars all with different options on them. Are there any options that are considered absolute essentials on these cars? I loved the optional multi-function M seats myself but the car comes pretty loaded as standard
4) Running costs, MPG aside. How much does servicing and maintenance typically cost? The Boxster is dirt cheap considering the brand and I expect I'm going to spend a lot of money keeping an M5 is the best possible condition - similarly, how is reliability. Anything I need to look out for? £1000 for a set of tyres around £2500 for a full set of disks and pads at a dealer, servicing was £300-£900 depending on which one
5) Is there anything I need to know or be aware of about them - essentially I am looking for a fast, practical, comfortable car that also handles really well and isn't absolutely excruciatingly awful on fuel - this seems like a perfect car. How have you found ownership? I loved mine but it was thirsty, very thirsty away from the motorway but then again that's to be expected so you can't mark the car down for that
Sorry for the dragged out post - I just want to be as thorough as possible. Knowing what car I'm going to have and getting excited about it is what gives me the motivation to save... On a separate note, anyone wanna buy a 987.2 Boxster S?
TREMAiNE said:
After nearly 2 years running my 987.2 Boxster S, I'm starting to look at what comes next. I'm not a powerfully built company director, so typically decide what I want and then spend 6-12 months saving up for the next car. I could go down the finance route and upgrade tomorrow but I'd rather buy the car outright, leaving me enough money each month to go towards whatever 'M' bills I get.
After weighing everything up in what I want out of my next car, an F10 M5 seems to be perfect on paper and I have a few questions:
1) Looking at reviews when it first came out, reviewers have said that it had Hydraulic steering which is very appealing - did this remain until the end of production, or did they switch over to electric steering halfway into the production run?
YES, IT REMAINED AS HYDRAULIC
2) The quoted MPG figure is 28(ish) mpg. I believe the Boxster is about the same. Over the last 10,000 miles, I've averaged about 23.5mpg in the Boxster with a mixture of motorway runs, traffic, hooning about etc... Would the M5 come close to this or is it going to be under 20 in the real world?
I AVERAGED MORE LIKE 25-26MPG IN ALL 4 OF MY BOXSTERS AND CAYMANS, I AVERAGE ABOUT 21MPG IN THE M5. I'M GUESSING YOU MUST DRIVE A BIT MORE FRUITY THAN ME, SO I'D ESTIMATE JUST UNDER 20MPG PERHAPS
3) As much as I would love something well spec'd with everything ticked, I can't afford that! I was shocked how well priced these are now. I'd be looking to spend £30-40,000 - I imagine that I will be looking at an array of cars all with different options on them. Are there any options that are considered absolute essentials on these cars?
NO, ALTHOUGH I FIND THE FOLDING REAR SEATS (OPTION) VERY USEFUL.
4) Running costs, MPG aside. How much does servicing and maintenance typically cost? The Boxster is dirt cheap considering the brand and I expect I'm going to spend a lot of money keeping an M5 is the best possible condition - similarly, how is reliability. Anything I need to look out for?
DEPENDS ON MILEAGE AND AGE OF THE CAR. BRAKES WILL BE EXPENSIVE COMPARED TO THE BOXSTER, AND TYRES WHILST THEY MAY NOT BE MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE WILL NOT LAST ANYWHERE NEAR AS LONG, I DO A FULL SET OF MPSS EVERY 10-12k.
5) Is there anything I need to know or be aware of about them - essentially I am looking for a fast, practical, comfortable car that also handles really well and isn't absolutely excruciatingly awful on fuel - this seems like a perfect car. How have you found ownership?
RUNNING IN SERVICE DONE AT 1,200MILES.
FAST - YES, VERY
PRACTICAL - IGNORING RUNNING COSTS, THEY ARE PRACTICAL
COMFORTABLE - YES
HANDLES - FOR THE SIZE OF THE CAR, YES. BUT YOU WILL STILL FEEL THE WEIGHT.
Sorry for the dragged out post - I just want to be as thorough as possible. Knowing what car I'm going to have and getting excited about it is what gives me the motivation to save... On a separate note, anyone wanna buy a 987.2 Boxster S?
After weighing everything up in what I want out of my next car, an F10 M5 seems to be perfect on paper and I have a few questions:
1) Looking at reviews when it first came out, reviewers have said that it had Hydraulic steering which is very appealing - did this remain until the end of production, or did they switch over to electric steering halfway into the production run?
YES, IT REMAINED AS HYDRAULIC
2) The quoted MPG figure is 28(ish) mpg. I believe the Boxster is about the same. Over the last 10,000 miles, I've averaged about 23.5mpg in the Boxster with a mixture of motorway runs, traffic, hooning about etc... Would the M5 come close to this or is it going to be under 20 in the real world?
I AVERAGED MORE LIKE 25-26MPG IN ALL 4 OF MY BOXSTERS AND CAYMANS, I AVERAGE ABOUT 21MPG IN THE M5. I'M GUESSING YOU MUST DRIVE A BIT MORE FRUITY THAN ME, SO I'D ESTIMATE JUST UNDER 20MPG PERHAPS
3) As much as I would love something well spec'd with everything ticked, I can't afford that! I was shocked how well priced these are now. I'd be looking to spend £30-40,000 - I imagine that I will be looking at an array of cars all with different options on them. Are there any options that are considered absolute essentials on these cars?
NO, ALTHOUGH I FIND THE FOLDING REAR SEATS (OPTION) VERY USEFUL.
4) Running costs, MPG aside. How much does servicing and maintenance typically cost? The Boxster is dirt cheap considering the brand and I expect I'm going to spend a lot of money keeping an M5 is the best possible condition - similarly, how is reliability. Anything I need to look out for?
DEPENDS ON MILEAGE AND AGE OF THE CAR. BRAKES WILL BE EXPENSIVE COMPARED TO THE BOXSTER, AND TYRES WHILST THEY MAY NOT BE MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE WILL NOT LAST ANYWHERE NEAR AS LONG, I DO A FULL SET OF MPSS EVERY 10-12k.
5) Is there anything I need to know or be aware of about them - essentially I am looking for a fast, practical, comfortable car that also handles really well and isn't absolutely excruciatingly awful on fuel - this seems like a perfect car. How have you found ownership?
RUNNING IN SERVICE DONE AT 1,200MILES.
FAST - YES, VERY
PRACTICAL - IGNORING RUNNING COSTS, THEY ARE PRACTICAL
COMFORTABLE - YES
HANDLES - FOR THE SIZE OF THE CAR, YES. BUT YOU WILL STILL FEEL THE WEIGHT.
Sorry for the dragged out post - I just want to be as thorough as possible. Knowing what car I'm going to have and getting excited about it is what gives me the motivation to save... On a separate note, anyone wanna buy a 987.2 Boxster S?
Edited by beanoir on Friday 5th January 12:41
I get about 18mpg out of mine when not doing long motorway runs. You could get more, but what's the point of that 
On the options front, soft close doors are nice, and having split folding rear seats transforms the practicality. Airport runs with a bike box and suitcases? No problem sir!
I've had mine for a year now, only issue is a malfunctioning comfort access door handle (touch wood).
On the options front, soft close doors are nice, and having split folding rear seats transforms the practicality. Airport runs with a bike box and suitcases? No problem sir!
I've had mine for a year now, only issue is a malfunctioning comfort access door handle (touch wood).
1. In any regard get the LCI version is possible.
2. In 8k miles I’ve done since April 17 I’m at 20.4 ... dropped in last six weeks from 20.9. I don’t hang around or amble. In cruise yeah about 28-29. Trapped in traffic before stop start on in v. cold weather .. <10!
3. Don’t jumpy too soon, fully loaded ones pop up reasonably and often little difference in price to base spec... Full M seats, full leather, split fold rears, LEDs good. But with these you’ll likely get all the others too...
4. On a 15 LCI car could also find 5 years service pack.... others have given prices for consumables...
5. Ownership, well love it, it’s a 5 series size but it does shrink once you familiarise with size. Really see it’s speed at above UK NSL so you need options to use that. I feel suspension adjustment more significant than in my previous F80 M3, would say sportplus in M5 more comfortable than comfort in M3. Good sized sunroof a nice thing in summer. Tyres need heat in them before using too much throttle, remember >500+ lb-ft. I’ve winter wheel/tyre set which is nice addition for year round usability. Paddles+manual best for press on. Get an ExhaustMeister or wire open exhaust valves if you want.
2. In 8k miles I’ve done since April 17 I’m at 20.4 ... dropped in last six weeks from 20.9. I don’t hang around or amble. In cruise yeah about 28-29. Trapped in traffic before stop start on in v. cold weather .. <10!
3. Don’t jumpy too soon, fully loaded ones pop up reasonably and often little difference in price to base spec... Full M seats, full leather, split fold rears, LEDs good. But with these you’ll likely get all the others too...
4. On a 15 LCI car could also find 5 years service pack.... others have given prices for consumables...
5. Ownership, well love it, it’s a 5 series size but it does shrink once you familiarise with size. Really see it’s speed at above UK NSL so you need options to use that. I feel suspension adjustment more significant than in my previous F80 M3, would say sportplus in M5 more comfortable than comfort in M3. Good sized sunroof a nice thing in summer. Tyres need heat in them before using too much throttle, remember >500+ lb-ft. I’ve winter wheel/tyre set which is nice addition for year round usability. Paddles+manual best for press on. Get an ExhaustMeister or wire open exhaust valves if you want.
Great cars. I am still enjoying mine.
I am averaging around 20mpg with mixed town driving plus the odd motorway journey. My long term average in a 335i was 21mpg, so I think that is pretty decent.
Lots of cars out there with the 5 year service pack, which is pretty useful.
Harmon Kardon stereo is excellent and was an essential option for me.
Tyres are not too expensive as they are non runflat. Mine came with new pirellis which struggled with traction when cold. Michelin super sports are much much better.
Only real downside to the car is that it is so comfortable and quick that you can't deploy it most of the time. It's the first car I have ever owned that you can't thrash about in. 3/4 throttle is usually enough.
If you test drive drop it to 3rd at around 65mph and floor it.
I am averaging around 20mpg with mixed town driving plus the odd motorway journey. My long term average in a 335i was 21mpg, so I think that is pretty decent.
Lots of cars out there with the 5 year service pack, which is pretty useful.
Harmon Kardon stereo is excellent and was an essential option for me.
Tyres are not too expensive as they are non runflat. Mine came with new pirellis which struggled with traction when cold. Michelin super sports are much much better.
Only real downside to the car is that it is so comfortable and quick that you can't deploy it most of the time. It's the first car I have ever owned that you can't thrash about in. 3/4 throttle is usually enough.
If you test drive drop it to 3rd at around 65mph and floor it.
Edited by Elysium on Saturday 6th January 17:57
I bought a demonstrator with 1,500 miles on it and 5 years and 65,000 miles later is still in the garage with no imminent plans to change.
For such a heavy and powerful car, I think running costs are very reasonable. I still haven't had to change disks on my car and the only expensive consumable is tyres, but I find MPSS last over 15,000 miles. MPG for me is 20-21 overall.
Echo the comments on multi-function seats and split rear seats. I also like the surround view, but then my driveway is not the easiest to see out of and for that it is really helpful.
It is a very different car to a Boxster, but it is surprisingly comfortable, very practical and epically fast. I've done a number of long continental trips and it is difficult to think of what car would be better at the price point.
Good luck with your search.
For such a heavy and powerful car, I think running costs are very reasonable. I still haven't had to change disks on my car and the only expensive consumable is tyres, but I find MPSS last over 15,000 miles. MPG for me is 20-21 overall.
Echo the comments on multi-function seats and split rear seats. I also like the surround view, but then my driveway is not the easiest to see out of and for that it is really helpful.
It is a very different car to a Boxster, but it is surprisingly comfortable, very practical and epically fast. I've done a number of long continental trips and it is difficult to think of what car would be better at the price point.
Good luck with your search.
I have owned mine for 7 months and I would echo the thoughts above. Mine is an LCI which among other things has a nicer steering wheel than the pre LCI in my view..
I tried both the competition pack and non competition pack and to be honest on real roads with real pot holes and real traffic I preferred the non CP.
Mine has the 5 year service pack which was a pleasant surprise when picking my car up from the first service I had to take it for.
On balance, I think it is the best car I have ever owned, docile and comfortable when you want that and then a super fast saloon when you want that.
My only criticism is that it really doesn't like full throttle and cold greasy winter roads, so gentle is the order of the day.
I tried both the competition pack and non competition pack and to be honest on real roads with real pot holes and real traffic I preferred the non CP.
Mine has the 5 year service pack which was a pleasant surprise when picking my car up from the first service I had to take it for.
On balance, I think it is the best car I have ever owned, docile and comfortable when you want that and then a super fast saloon when you want that.
My only criticism is that it really doesn't like full throttle and cold greasy winter roads, so gentle is the order of the day.
I've had mine since Wenesday and initial thoughts:
My fleet consists of a 911 turbo, BMW 118d and a W8 Passat. Given a recent new arrival I was looking for a family car with plenty of space / comfort but also decent fire power when required.
In a word the M5 is brilliant, if I was only allowed one car it would probably be my choice such is its all round capability.
In terms of economy, 13.6mpg although not tank tested and reasonably short trips. In the cold weather with the heating on it does take time to heat up so consider your daily commute in terms of wear and tear.
The M-Multi function seats do offer a noticeable comfort improvement, the split folding seats for practicality although this is no doubt push chair / child related and can take some finding.
Don't underestimate the size of the car if you're not used to it and the reversing camera can be helpful in this respect.
In terms of the new M5 impacting values, I think the opposite as there are remarkable similarities which make a used low mileage F10 look excellent value in comparison.
Both the Boxster and M5 are excellent cars, I would just be very clear in your own mind why you're changing because they are different ends of the spectrum.
My fleet consists of a 911 turbo, BMW 118d and a W8 Passat. Given a recent new arrival I was looking for a family car with plenty of space / comfort but also decent fire power when required.
In a word the M5 is brilliant, if I was only allowed one car it would probably be my choice such is its all round capability.
In terms of economy, 13.6mpg although not tank tested and reasonably short trips. In the cold weather with the heating on it does take time to heat up so consider your daily commute in terms of wear and tear.
The M-Multi function seats do offer a noticeable comfort improvement, the split folding seats for practicality although this is no doubt push chair / child related and can take some finding.
Don't underestimate the size of the car if you're not used to it and the reversing camera can be helpful in this respect.
In terms of the new M5 impacting values, I think the opposite as there are remarkable similarities which make a used low mileage F10 look excellent value in comparison.
Both the Boxster and M5 are excellent cars, I would just be very clear in your own mind why you're changing because they are different ends of the spectrum.
I had a M5 CP for about 6 months and covered over 5k miles in it.
Highlights for me on mine were the M multi-function sports seats, surround view and the £8k M Performance Titanium exhaust system with the carbon exhaust tips on it (the car sounded amazing!). Oh and the condition of it was utterly amazing - it had always been looked after by Paul Dalton (Miracle detailing) since new for the first 3 and a bit years before I became the second owner. Moonstone was also a stunning colour!
I averaged 25mpg overall and that was roughly 85% A roads and motorways. To work which was 30 miles each way along the M4, I could get high 20's cruising between 70 and 80. My best was from when I bought it from the dealer and took it very easy all the way home (a couple of fast spurts but majority keeping it between 50 and 70 over the 150 miles) and door to door I got a tad over 32mpg.
I didn't have any costs other than tax, insurance and fuel during my ownership.
Fabulous car and I do miss it, it sounded fantastic, it was in immaculate condition inside and out, went like a rocket but was also a very comfy place to sit and the miles would just melt away. Utterly magnificent all rounder. I would also add it got huge amounts of compliments everywhere I took it which is always a nice feeling :-)
Highlights for me on mine were the M multi-function sports seats, surround view and the £8k M Performance Titanium exhaust system with the carbon exhaust tips on it (the car sounded amazing!). Oh and the condition of it was utterly amazing - it had always been looked after by Paul Dalton (Miracle detailing) since new for the first 3 and a bit years before I became the second owner. Moonstone was also a stunning colour!
I averaged 25mpg overall and that was roughly 85% A roads and motorways. To work which was 30 miles each way along the M4, I could get high 20's cruising between 70 and 80. My best was from when I bought it from the dealer and took it very easy all the way home (a couple of fast spurts but majority keeping it between 50 and 70 over the 150 miles) and door to door I got a tad over 32mpg.
I didn't have any costs other than tax, insurance and fuel during my ownership.
Fabulous car and I do miss it, it sounded fantastic, it was in immaculate condition inside and out, went like a rocket but was also a very comfy place to sit and the miles would just melt away. Utterly magnificent all rounder. I would also add it got huge amounts of compliments everywhere I took it which is always a nice feeling :-)
Edited by zainster on Sunday 7th January 18:08
skeeterm5 said:
Mine heats up really quickly, by the time I reach our local village, about 3 miles, the car is toasty warm.
I think the reference was to how long it takes the engine to heat up? At least mine does take a few minutes for the water (oil?) temperature gauge to even move.I have had mine since September, done 8000 km in it, 95 % of it on fast motorways (France and Germany) and average is about 23 mpg. Combined with a decent sized petrol tank it gives it a real world range of comfortably over 500 km, which for the performance and weight of that thing is very good indeed.
I would look out for an LCI, mainly for the updated steering wheel and iDrive controller, and personally I am very pleased with the adaptive LEDs which gives the front end a very distinct light signature and which makes the LCI that more noticeable.
Other than that, the usual options: Harman Kardon, rearview camera or better yet surround view and split rear seats are very nice options. Full leather, including alcantara headliner, would be very nice to have, albeit not essential.
I bought my LCI car new in June 2015 (factory ordered).
Options I wanted were:
Multi functional seats - they look better compared to the standard ones - I have no idea if they are more comfy, have never sat in one with standard seats.
Split fold rear seats
HK audio
Rear Cam
Comfort Access
Service Park
20" alloys
heated seats (front), HUD, adaptive lights were all standard.
Oh I also put black grills/gills and exhaust tips on it - I have no idea why BMW continue to put that chrome crap all over their performance range of cars. hate it.
I went for Singapore Grey - a lovely colour once clean, but looks dull when dirty (which it is most of the time).
Black leather - have kids; has worn pretty well, so no issues there.
As for running costs - car is just shy of 30k miles. MPG is average 20. Can get more if you really try, can get a lot less if you really try too!
Insurance wasn't too bad, roughly £500 with admiral
I've had a full set of discs and pads all round and a new set of tyres. Other than fuel + roadtax @ £500 odd quid - that has been my only cost, which considering the performance and weight of the thing hasn't been too bad. This is why service pack is a great idea.
Its been to the ring a few times and i've done a few track days too - so its certainly been driven as intended, not just as a shopping trolley!
If buying used, get one with service pack and one that has had the brakes done or expect a bill north of £2k for those alone. Add £1k for tyres and you can easily burn through a fair amount of cash in those early days of ownership. Also make sure the services are there (you can check on iDrive all the services are present and mileage etc).
I've had no real issues with the car (apart from a fault with the exhaust flaps not working), its used no oil, no gremlins with mine at all. Running in service and procedure was followed as per BMW recommendation.
I now find myself looking at what to replace it with. I got my car with a good discount and 0%, so although the retail price was just over £82k, I paid just over £69k for it.
Looking at what is available at £70k as a replacement reveals nothing that would be better than the car I have. New M5/E63 etc are all way up there in high 90's, i've not seen any deals on these yet where they are lopping off £20k to shift them, so they are simply too expensive.
Nothing else at that price point can give me the practicality and performance I already have, but it will be 3 years old in June and I don't tend to keep cars that long...
Good luck with your search - be aware of BMW approved cars. A friend bought one and had massive issues with it. The trend seems to be the dealer hiding issues from you, which you then find and they can then get them fixed under warranty at your inconvenience, rather than the dealer paying out their own margins to prep the cars correctly for sale. I had a similar experience with and an approved BMW 4.0d X5, which when collected had an array of problems...
Cheers Steve
Options I wanted were:
Multi functional seats - they look better compared to the standard ones - I have no idea if they are more comfy, have never sat in one with standard seats.
Split fold rear seats
HK audio
Rear Cam
Comfort Access
Service Park
20" alloys
heated seats (front), HUD, adaptive lights were all standard.
Oh I also put black grills/gills and exhaust tips on it - I have no idea why BMW continue to put that chrome crap all over their performance range of cars. hate it.
I went for Singapore Grey - a lovely colour once clean, but looks dull when dirty (which it is most of the time).
Black leather - have kids; has worn pretty well, so no issues there.
As for running costs - car is just shy of 30k miles. MPG is average 20. Can get more if you really try, can get a lot less if you really try too!
Insurance wasn't too bad, roughly £500 with admiral
I've had a full set of discs and pads all round and a new set of tyres. Other than fuel + roadtax @ £500 odd quid - that has been my only cost, which considering the performance and weight of the thing hasn't been too bad. This is why service pack is a great idea.
Its been to the ring a few times and i've done a few track days too - so its certainly been driven as intended, not just as a shopping trolley!
If buying used, get one with service pack and one that has had the brakes done or expect a bill north of £2k for those alone. Add £1k for tyres and you can easily burn through a fair amount of cash in those early days of ownership. Also make sure the services are there (you can check on iDrive all the services are present and mileage etc).
I've had no real issues with the car (apart from a fault with the exhaust flaps not working), its used no oil, no gremlins with mine at all. Running in service and procedure was followed as per BMW recommendation.
I now find myself looking at what to replace it with. I got my car with a good discount and 0%, so although the retail price was just over £82k, I paid just over £69k for it.
Looking at what is available at £70k as a replacement reveals nothing that would be better than the car I have. New M5/E63 etc are all way up there in high 90's, i've not seen any deals on these yet where they are lopping off £20k to shift them, so they are simply too expensive.
Nothing else at that price point can give me the practicality and performance I already have, but it will be 3 years old in June and I don't tend to keep cars that long...
Good luck with your search - be aware of BMW approved cars. A friend bought one and had massive issues with it. The trend seems to be the dealer hiding issues from you, which you then find and they can then get them fixed under warranty at your inconvenience, rather than the dealer paying out their own margins to prep the cars correctly for sale. I had a similar experience with and an approved BMW 4.0d X5, which when collected had an array of problems...
Cheers Steve
e12mat said:
I've had mine since Wenesday and initial thoughts:
the split folding seats for practicality although this is no doubt push chair / child related and can take some finding.
I reckon you'd get plenty of push chair etc in the boot (and some small children) without needing to put the seats down to be honest, the boot is cavernous! the split folding seats for practicality although this is no doubt push chair / child related and can take some finding.
The folding rear seats and ski hatch are useful when you want to carry A LOT of stuff!!!
Hi All
Thanks for all the replies.
A few people have mentioned how it is quite a different car from the Boxster... I want a change from the sports cars I've been driving the last 5/6 years, I really fancy something that is a bit more comfy, well equipped but also devastatingly fast and a good steer. I've driven quite a few big cars over the years and regularly use and X5.
Judging from what you've all said, the M5 seems absolute spot on to what I want. £1,000 per set of tyres isn't much different from what I pay now. The £2.5k or so for new brake discs is a bit of a turnoff, but it's not a deal breaker - once I've bought the car I'd be sticking four or five hundred quid in the bank for emergency repairs anyway, so it's not like I'll get caught with my pants down. I'll obviously look for ones that have had the work carried out already. £1,500 insurance cost isn't ideal but it's something I just have to accept still being quite young at 25.
Fuel consumption seems pretty fair for the performance on offer - my daily commute is only 13 miles - about 11 of which are motorways so I'd hope for high teens, low 20s.
The standard spec is so impressive... But good to know what extras are worth getting.
Quite few people mentioned LCI? Forgive my lack of knowledge but could someone advise what the LCI version is and what makes it better over the standard car?
Also, presumably the service intervals are once a year or xx miles?
Thanks for all the replies.
A few people have mentioned how it is quite a different car from the Boxster... I want a change from the sports cars I've been driving the last 5/6 years, I really fancy something that is a bit more comfy, well equipped but also devastatingly fast and a good steer. I've driven quite a few big cars over the years and regularly use and X5.
Judging from what you've all said, the M5 seems absolute spot on to what I want. £1,000 per set of tyres isn't much different from what I pay now. The £2.5k or so for new brake discs is a bit of a turnoff, but it's not a deal breaker - once I've bought the car I'd be sticking four or five hundred quid in the bank for emergency repairs anyway, so it's not like I'll get caught with my pants down. I'll obviously look for ones that have had the work carried out already. £1,500 insurance cost isn't ideal but it's something I just have to accept still being quite young at 25.
Fuel consumption seems pretty fair for the performance on offer - my daily commute is only 13 miles - about 11 of which are motorways so I'd hope for high teens, low 20s.
The standard spec is so impressive... But good to know what extras are worth getting.
Quite few people mentioned LCI? Forgive my lack of knowledge but could someone advise what the LCI version is and what makes it better over the standard car?
Also, presumably the service intervals are once a year or xx miles?
TREMAiNE said:
Hi All
Quite few people mentioned LCI? Forgive my lack of knowledge but could someone advise what the LCI version is and what makes it better over the standard car?
The LCI (facelift) changed the headlights (adaptive LED became an option) and rears (very subtle), different steering wheel, different iDrive controller (touch pad integrated on top of it), so not a huge change from the outside and the steering wheel (which IMO is a real improvement) can be retrofitted.Quite few people mentioned LCI? Forgive my lack of knowledge but could someone advise what the LCI version is and what makes it better over the standard car?
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